Booking Through Thursday
Have you ever missed an important appointment because you have become so engrossed in a book you forgot the time or were up so late reading that you didn't wake up in time? Been late to work because you couldn't resist the temptation and left the house too late?
I feel like I should answer yes to the first part of the question to prove myself as a true reading addict, however, that would be a lie. To my knowledge, I have never missed an important appointment because I am so consumed by the book I am reading that I forget my commitments altogether. I have been known to lose track of time while reading on occasions when I am free to read for as long and as much as I would like.
There are times when I get so lost in the pages of a book that I lose any sense of my surroundings. Any background noise fades away until it disappears. On occasion, someone can be talking to me, and I will not hear them. (Off topic: During my younger years, I could read with all sorts of sounds and volume around me, however, the older I get, the more I find I prefer silence or minimal sound).
While I cannot recall ever having read so late that I cannot wake up in time (my alarm makes sure of that) for work, I have stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading, sometimes even going to bed to sleep but then getting up having decided I would rather continue reading. I rarely pull all-nighters with the books I read anymore (is it age?). Sleep has a way of overtaking me these days even when I try to keep it at bay. My little trick of keeping one eye open at a time only prolongs my reading time for a short while longer, unfortunately. Ho hum.
I absolutely hate when I am close to finishing a book and it is time to leave for work. When I worked the second shift, this proved to be a problem all too often. I was running into the office barely in the nick of time because I decided I had to finish the book or read just one more page or chapter. Now that I work the early shift, I tend to wake up as close to my leaving time as possible and do not always have time to read before I have to be at the office. I'm not much of an early bird. At least not that early.
These days it seems my problem is more in finding the time to read. I do my best to fit it in when and wherever I can. I suppose compared to some, the amount of time I spend reading could be considered substantial, however, that does not really change my own perception of wishing I could fit in just a little more time here or there.
It's your turn! Do you lose track of time when you read?
I enjoyed reading your post! (I wish I can write that much, LOL!!!)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I prefer to read with minimal sound around me and I too had no problem with sounds around me when I was younger, ahh...time is catching on us. :P
So many books, so little time!!!
A couple of years ago, I was so engrossed in Wuthering Heights that I forgot to call a woman and arrange to meet her the following day. This was before I got my cell phone. The day of the meeting, I got an email saying in effect, I kept today open, where are you? I sent an apologetic email back, but was a little too honest -- I told her that I was reading Wuthering Heights and forgot to call. She must not be a reader, because I never heard from her again. I really thought she might understand...her first name's Emma!
ReplyDeleteI've lost track of time when I'm reading WHEN I have the time to lose... I'm a pretty practical person. Sounds like you are, too... to a point :-)
ReplyDeleteMine's up.
Mine's a whole lot shorter than yours. I couldn't think of much to say. Excellent answer!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I lose track of time - most recently, I lost track of time reading The Woman in White.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying that one eyed thing too lately. Maybe two extra minutes, but you can't remember the last minute of what you read?
ReplyDeleteI can read with sound around me, in fact if there no sound I'm going to get sleepy. But I can not concentrate on my reading if someone talking to me and won't stop bothering until I pay attention to them *sigh*
ReplyDeleteLove your answer to this post. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy BTT!
I tend to read only at bedtime and while waiting for my son in line at school, so my problem is staying up too late because I can't stop myself. Loved reading your answer!
ReplyDeleteThere is never enough time, is there? The more I get, the more I want. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI too loved you answer the BTT question. You sound a lot like me (probably like many of us actually!)
ReplyDeleteMelody - Thank you. I'm not sure what got into me, but I just kept writing and writing. I'm glad it came out well enough to make sense! So many books, so little time is definitely right!
ReplyDeleteBybee - Oooo! That's funny! Although I'm sure not so at the time. :-) I was talking to a coworker today and he made several statements that let me know he's not someone I'll ever talk books with--definitely not a reader. I'm not sure what that has to do with the topic at hand, but there you go. Haha
Marianne - Yes, I find it easier to lose track of time when I have the time to do so. I admit I'm a bit of a clock watcher, especially when I have something scheduled. I hate being late or missing appointments.
Chris - Thanks! I thought your answer was plenty fine! I just got a little wordy this round.
Teabird - There's something magical about being so engrossed in a book you lose track of time.
Raidergirl - LOL That is true! At that point the memory isn't quite as good as when you use two eyes to read.
Julia - You should get a bookmark like I have that says, "Shh! I'm reading. Don't bother me!" Not that it does any good. LOL
Bookfool - Thank you! I do most of my reading before bedtime too unless it's a weekend and then I can devote more time to my books. :-)
Kristy - No, there never is enough time!
Suey - Thank you very much! Yes, we all seem to have a lot in common when it comes to this topic!
I need to come back when I have more time. I like your take on books. I'm going to link you to remind myself to come by again. I've been slacking off on my book reviews lately but I'm still reading.
ReplyDeleteBeen there! Most definitely!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I've ever let reading make me late for stuff, but since I have a tendency to always be late, I probably have. Right now my issue is that I read during lunch at work, and will sometimes keep my book on my desk after lunch for quick "peeks" so I can finish whatever chapter I was reading at lunch! lol
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love the pictures of the book/clocks with this post, too cool!
Sarala - Why, thank you! I really enjoy reading your blog and your reviews too. :-)
ReplyDeleteCarl V. - LOL Yes, It's easy to get pulled into the pages, isn't it?
Karina - Now that I'm only taking half hour lunches (so I can leave half an hour earlier), I really have noticed a decline in my reading. :-( It's the one downful to a shorter lunch. I barely have time to read.
I tend to be disgustingly punctual. So, I don't even open a book unless I know I'm not expected anyplace for over an hour. I do, however, read a lot while I'm sitting in my car waiting to pick up various members of my family. That's the burden of 'Mom's Taxi Service'. ;)
ReplyDeleteKookie - You are probably wise to not open a book unless you have over an hour before your appointments! I do a lot of reading while waiting too. I really don't like being late if I can help it.
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